Businesses in the UK ought to incorporate flexible working policies into their ongoing recruitment strategies, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Research from the organisation suggests that allowing staff to operate remotely and to work from their own homes can be a significant advantage for companies aiming to attract and retain employees.

Indeed, a survey of close to 900 separate organisations by the CIPD found that three-quarters have seen benefits in terms of staff retention through the implementation of more flexible working practices.

"Employers will continue to struggle to find suitable candidates and keep staff turnover under control if their approach to recruitment and retention fails to take account of both business and employee needs," CIPD researcher Nicola Monson makes clear.

Last month, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health offered its support to the Work Wise UK campaign to increase the prevalence of "smarter working" practices, citing the benefits for staff wellbeing.